Max Verstappen is undoubtedly the favorite for the 2024 F1 world championship. The 26-year-old headed into the Australian GP after winning the first two rounds of the season. However, a brake failure forced the Dutch driver to retire from the lead of the race. Now, Red Bull Motorsport Consultant Dr. Helmut Marko has affirmed that Verstappen will win the next race in Japan.
The 80-year-old claimed that Max Verstappen‘s brake issues were related to the Albert Park circuit. The Dutch driver will likely not face such a problem in Suzuka for the Japanese GP. Subsequently, Helmut Marko reckoned that he expected Verstappen to take yet another dominant race victory at the fourth race of the season.
I think the problems are purely related to this circuit. It's nothing special. I expect Max to dominate again in Suzuka. Helmut Marko told Telegraaf.nl
Helmut Marko admitted that the Australian GP retirement was simply a part of racing. The Red Bull advisor highlighted that many fans find it boring to see Milton Keynes win races. As such, the Austrian team managed to deliver what such viewers wanted to see. Although, Marko mentioned that this was certainly not on purpose.
Such a day like this is unfortunately also part of racing. Everyone finds it boring when Red Bull wins, so we delivered for all those people, but not on purpose Marko stated
Helmut Marko claims Max Verstappen would’ve won the Australian GP
Max Verstappen had a good start to the Australian GP as he maintained his lead into Turn 1. However, the Dutch driver soon lost out to Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz, before eventually retiring the car. Red Bull’s Sergio Perez had claimed that even if Verstappen had no issues, he would have not won the race. Helmut Marko has now refuted the Mexican’s comments.
The Austrian mentioned that he had a conversation with Verstappen after the race. The 80-year-old highlighted that despite the brake issues, the Dutch driver kept up with Sainz before his retirement. Subsequently, Marko reckoned that the three-time world champion would’ve taken another race win if had not suffered from the mechanical failure.
I talked to Max, but despite the braking problems from the beginning, Sainz Jr. He said he kept up with the pace relatively easy. If Max was able to race, I think the results were completely different. Helmut Marko said, as reported by jp.motorsport.com
Certainly, Max Verstappen and Red Bull will be hoping to bounce back at the next race in Suzuka. The reigning world champions still have the fastest car on track despite Ferrari’s gains. As such, it will be interesting to see if Verstappen can get back on the top step of the podium at the Japanese GP.
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